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OPINION

Together, we can help our community meet the needs created by coronavirus pandemic

In a little more than a week’s time, the world turned upside down. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Market volatility dwarfs that of the global financial crisis and the 1987 crash. Our favorite local establishments are closed. And, we are practicing social distancing to protect one another and to help flatten the curve of new infections. We’re in uncharted territory.

This is the moment for which modern philanthropy was built. The Fox Cities is filled with individuals, corporations and foundations that do good in our community. We are a top charitable region in the country and now is our time to show it. The funding community — including individual givers — must come together to meet this unprecedented moment with unprecedented generosity and flexibility.

Basic human needs are on the line. Let’s give our local nonprofit organizations the critical, yet flexible, resources they need to serve our community and protect the most vulnerable among us. Nonprofit organizations: We are listening and want you to know this community is 100% behind you!

We can do this, Fox Cities. Our innovation, collaborative spirit and generosity have prepared us for this moment. Be bold. Be generous. Be flexible.

Curt Detjen is President and CEO of Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. Peter Kelly is President and CEO of United Way Fox Cities. The two organizations created COVID-19 Community Response Fund. Learn more at cffoxvalley.org/covidhelp or unitedwayfoxcities.org/covid-19/community-response-fund